Even though Opening Day is quickly coming, Blake Snell, the most skilled MLB pitcher available this summer, has not been able to get a new team.
However, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that if Snell is prepared to lower his most recent asking price, a deal with the San Francisco Giants might be close.
“Blake Snell, the two-time Cy Young winner, has let the Houston Astros know that he is open to signing a short-term contract, but he is looking for at least a two-year guarantee for $66 million, with an opt-out clause after the 2024 season,” Nightengale reported. “Snell is still a possibility for the San Francisco Giants, but they also need Snell to reduce his demands first.”
Nightengale continued by saying that the Giants employed a similar tactic prior to signing free agent Matt Chapman, who has the same agent as Snell—Scott Boras. Ultimately, the Giants and Chapman reached an agreement on a $54 million, three-year contract that gives the player the option to opt out and reevaluate his options every offseason.
This offseason, the San Francisco Giants have been active.
The Giants have become major purchasers this offseason, spending $172.3 million so far to rank fourth in MLB spending.
Chapman, Jung Hoo Lee, and Jorge Soler are among their noteworthy recruits, although they haven’t made many changes to their starting lineup. Robbie Ray, the 2021 Cy Young Award winner, was acquired by them, but it is anticipated that he will miss the first half of the season. Jordan Hicks, who is perhaps better suited as a back-end starter, was also signed by them to a four-year contract.
With multiple injuries, their 2024 rotation as it stands now is expected to be led by Kyle Harrison, 22, and Logan Webb.
According to SF Gate’s Gabe Lehman, “San Francisco’s need for another arm has only increased this spring after Tristan Beck and Sean Hjelle went down with injuries.” “With veterans Alex Cobb (hip surgery) and Robbie Ray (Tommy John) expected to be out until the middle of the year, the team was already in a bind.”